Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan

Exploring the southern regions of Southeast Alaska on our expeditions is unrivalled experience, navigate narrow channels like Behm and Blake, Walker Cove in Misty Fiords, Eastern Passage and Wrangell Narrows. Discover an authentic Alaska unreachable by big white boats. Lower zodiacs to explore places like Hole in The Wall State Marine Park on Prince of Wales Island, and drop kayaks into salmon-studded waters, to trace the rugged, wildlife-rich shorelines of Kupreanof and Kuiu Islands.

This new itinerary offers you a choice of directions—Head out from Ketchikan, Salmon Capital of the World, to Juneau; or from Juneau south to Ketchikan. Or, elect to combine the experience with our Wild Alaska Escape and double the sights, sightings and wildness.

21 May, 2020 to 26 May, 2020
(reverse)

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 1£ 3155 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.
view cabin photo

Category 1 Single£ 4725 GBP pp

Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.
view cabin photo

Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan itinerary:

show reverse itinerary

DAY 1: Juneau/National Geographic Sea Lion

Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, which is nestled between Mt. Juneau, Mount Roberts and Gastineau Channel. Above it all sits the Juneau Icefield, at 1,500 square miles it is one of the world’s largest non-polar masses of snow and ice and is the source of many glaciers including Taku Glacier and Mendenhall Glacier.
Transfer in downtown Juneau with a stop at the impressive Mendenhall Glacier en route to the Alaska State Museum. Embark on the National Geographic Sea Lion.

DAY 2: LeConte Glacier/Thomas Bay

This morning we will maneuver among the ice of LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska and the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Since its discovery in 1887 the glacier has retreated 2.5 miles but is stable at this time. The glacier produces great numbers of icebergs that shoot up from beneath the surface of the inlet as well as calving from the upper face of it. These bergs get caught up on the shallow moraine and along the shoreline making for interesting sculptures for us to photograph. Our captain will bring the ship in as close to the glacier as he is able based on the amount of ice in the channel and if conditions allow, we will deploy our expedition landing craft and kayaks for tours among the ice.
This afternoon we transit the Wrangell Narrows, the breathtaking beauty of this convoluted 22-mile waterway is lined with 60 lights and buoys to mark it because of its winding nature and navigation hazards. Unlike the large ships which are forced to navigate “outside” waters our small, maneuverable ships can safely deliver you an incredible journey through this passage where eagles decorate the spruce trees like ornaments on a Christmas tree.

DAY 3: Exploring Sumner Strait

Explore along the rugged coastlines of Kupreanof, Kuiu or Prince of Wales Islands seeking out humpbacks and other wildlife along the shoreline, expert staff will be on deck with binoculars on the lookout. The area is home to Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear, Alexander Archipelago wolves, moose and around 300 species of birds. It is a perfect opportunity to search for black bear, eagles and whales that are all lured to the shoreline in search of salmon that populate these waters.
Later we will explore the coast by kayak or go ashore to explore bear trails and salmon streams learning about the rainforest ecosystem as we go.

DAY 4: Wrangell

This morning we arrive in the small town of Wrangell, AK located on Wrangell Island. The Tlingit people and their ancestors have made this island their home for thousands of years. Wrangell was founded by Russians as one of the oldest non-Native settlements in Alaska. They started trading for furs with area Tlingit in 1811 at the site of present-day Wrangell.
Spend the morning either on an optional jet boat excursion up the Stikine River or exploring town including a visit to Chief Shakes Tribal House and the Petroglyph Beach. The tribal house, a Tlingit Indian clan house of the Naanyaa.aayí Clan, has been restored several times, most recently in 2013 with the intent to preserve totem poles and traditional Alaska Native architecture.
Petroglyph Beach in Wrangell has the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast and is easily accessible boardwalk to a deck that overlooks the glyphs, the Stikine River and Zimovia Strait.
This afternoon cruise we cruise Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, narrow waterways on the backside of Wrangell Island where others rarely venture.

DAY 5: Behm Canal / Misty Fiords National Monument

We will spend the morning cruising down the 108-mile-long Behm Canal and into Behm Canal located in Misty Fiords National Monument.
Sculpted by nature, the glacially-carved cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument, sometimes called “The Yosemite of the North”, is located near the southern boundaries of the 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest. Join naturalists out on the bow to gaze in wonder at the near vertical rock face that rise 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level and drop 1,000 feet below it. Taking its name from the almost constant precipitation that is characteristic of the area and the fine wispy clouds move in and out of the winding waterway. Explore by expedition landing craft and kayak for a closer perspective of the dramatic waterfalls that plunge down the steep fiord walls to the salt water below.

DAY 6: Ketchikan

Disembark the ship in Ketchikan, the southeasternmost city in Alaska. Ketchikan has a colorful history, which once included a red-light district located on busy Creek Street. The city sports many different monikers such as the “Salmon Capital of the World” due to the large number of fishing boats and canneries, and the “Rain Capital of Alaska”. Ketchikan averages nearly 13 feet of rain a year! Visit the Totem Heritage Center to view the priceless collection of 19th century Tlingit totem poles rescued from abandoned village sites near Ketchikan. The airport, located on Gravina Island, is just a short ferry ride across the half mile wide Tongass Narrows from the city situated on Revillagigedo Island. Transfer to the airport for flights home.

Please note:

All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan reverse itinerary:

show main itinerary

All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Disembark the ship in Ketchikan, the southeasternmost city in Alaska. Ketchikan has a colorful history, which once included a red-light district located on busy Creek Street. The city sports many different monikers such as the “Salmon Capital of the World” due to the large number of fishing boats and canneries, and the “Rain Capital of Alaska”. Ketchikan averages nearly 13 feet of rain a year! Visit the Totem Heritage Center to view the priceless collection of 19th century Tlingit totem poles rescued from abandoned village sites near Ketchikan. The airport, located on Gravina Island, is just a short ferry ride across the half mile wide Tongass Narrows from the city situated on Revillagigedo Island. Transfer to the airport for flights home.

We will spend the morning cruising down the 108-mile-long Behm Canal and into Behm Canal located in Misty Fiords National Monument.
Sculpted by nature, the glacially-carved cliffs of Misty Fiords National Monument, sometimes called “The Yosemite of the North”, is located near the southern boundaries of the 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest. Join naturalists out on the bow to gaze in wonder at the near vertical rock face that rise 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level and drop 1,000 feet below it. Taking its name from the almost constant precipitation that is characteristic of the area and the fine wispy clouds move in and out of the winding waterway. Explore by expedition landing craft and kayak for a closer perspective of the dramatic waterfalls that plunge down the steep fiord walls to the salt water below.

This morning we arrive in the small town of Wrangell, AK located on Wrangell Island. The Tlingit people and their ancestors have made this island their home for thousands of years. Wrangell was founded by Russians as one of the oldest non-Native settlements in Alaska. They started trading for furs with area Tlingit in 1811 at the site of present-day Wrangell.
Spend the morning either on an optional jet boat excursion up the Stikine River or exploring town including a visit to Chief Shakes Tribal House and the Petroglyph Beach. The tribal house, a Tlingit Indian clan house of the Naanyaa.aayí Clan, has been restored several times, most recently in 2013 with the intent to preserve totem poles and traditional Alaska Native architecture.
Petroglyph Beach in Wrangell has the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast and is easily accessible boardwalk to a deck that overlooks the glyphs, the Stikine River and Zimovia Strait.
This afternoon cruise we cruise Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, narrow waterways on the backside of Wrangell Island where others rarely venture.

Explore along the rugged coastlines of Kupreanof, Kuiu or Prince of Wales Islands seeking out humpbacks and other wildlife along the shoreline, expert staff will be on deck with binoculars on the lookout. The area is home to Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear, Alexander Archipelago wolves, moose and around 300 species of birds. It is a perfect opportunity to search for black bear, eagles and whales that are all lured to the shoreline in search of salmon that populate these waters.
Later we will explore the coast by kayak or go ashore to explore bear trails and salmon streams learning about the rainforest ecosystem as we go.

This morning we will maneuver among the ice of LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska and the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Since its discovery in 1887 the glacier has retreated 2.5 miles but is stable at this time. The glacier produces great numbers of icebergs that shoot up from beneath the surface of the inlet as well as calving from the upper face of it. These bergs get caught up on the shallow moraine and along the shoreline making for interesting sculptures for us to photograph. Our captain will bring the ship in as close to the glacier as he is able based on the amount of ice in the channel and if conditions allow, we will deploy our expedition landing craft and kayaks for tours among the ice.
This afternoon we transit the Wrangell Narrows, the breathtaking beauty of this convoluted 22-mile waterway is lined with 60 lights and buoys to mark it because of its winding nature and navigation hazards. Unlike the large ships which are forced to navigate “outside” waters our small, maneuverable ships can safely deliver you an incredible journey through this passage where eagles decorate the spruce trees like ornaments on a Christmas tree.

Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, which is nestled between Mt. Juneau, Mount Roberts and Gastineau Channel. Above it all sits the Juneau Icefield, at 1,500 square miles it is one of the world’s largest non-polar masses of snow and ice and is the source of many glaciers including Taku Glacier and Mendenhall Glacier.
Transfer in downtown Juneau with a stop at the impressive Mendenhall Glacier en route to the Alaska State Museum. Embark on the National Geographic Sea Lion.

* = Indicative

National Geographic SeaBird & SeaLion

Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition

Length: 52 metres

Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins)

Built: 1982 / 2002

Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours.

Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from a picturesque beach, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk easily along a sandy dune. During your time with us, our expedition staff likes nothing better than to surprise and delight you by directing the ship toward breaching whales, bow-riding dolphins or into an alluring cove.

Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wildness, but being out there, in it.

Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.

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Explore Alaska on an active, exciting expedition to see the region’s iconic wildlife and epic landscapes in the compact timeframe of one work week. Take long hikes on world-class trails ......click here to read more.

Explore Alaska on an active, exciting expedition to see the region’s iconic wildlife and epic landscapes in the compact timeframe of one work week. Take long hikes on world-class trails ......click here to read more.